Account Executive - Sake

Mutual Trading Co., Inc.; El Monte (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401k Plan with company match

Job summary

A leading food and beverage distributor is seeking a Chinese Bilingual Account Executive to promote Japanese liquors, including sake. The role involves domestic and international travel to assist in sales, support marketing initiatives, and build customer relationships. Candidates should have a solid understanding of Japanese spirits, business-level English, and preferably Chinese. A background in liquor sales is highly advantageous, alongside a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Business level English required – read/write/speak/listen.
• Business level Chinese highly preferred.
• 4+ years of experience with Japanese liquors including sake and wine preferred.

Responsibilities

• Visit customers domestically and internationally to promote liquor products.
• Support sales associates to achieve sales targets.
• Design marketing plans to develop new accounts.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong organizational skills

Customer service skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree and above preferred

Tools

AS400

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Chinese Bilingual Account Executive - Sake

Who we are:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We\'ve grown nearly 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Benefits

• All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.
• Location: El Monte, CA.
• Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM.

Essential Job Functions:

• Travels domestically and internationally to visits customers and potential customers to educate them on Japanese liquors including sake, shochu, wine, other liquors; provides information and necessary support to reach sales targets and increase the sales of the Company’s liquor products.
• Supports sales associates across all sales divisions to achieve the monthly sales targets assigned by Sake Specialist Director.
• Designs sales and marketing plans with sales teams to develop new accounts and achieve quarterly new account development targets.
• Supports category manager to develop strategies to improve market share in all product lines.
• Maintains high levels of customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and building report.
• Works closely with Sales Associates to understand their needs, and offers solution by educating their clients on how our liquor products and services can benefit their business.
• Attends various Japanese Government promotional events.
• Works closely with management and sales teams to prepare new account development plan, market/competitor analysis, sales performance and other analysis reports as required.
• Plans, coordinates and attends sake, shochu, beer, and whiskey related events.
• Attends Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Coordinates with Tokyo Mutual Trading and vendors to organize tasting events.
• Create Social Media contents and maintain quality contents and strong engagements.
• Participates in the weekly sales meetings.
• Assists with Sake School events, classes and competition tasting.
• Attends semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on a weekend.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Obligation to answer to all management as requested.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to go on domestic and international business trip by car and airplane.
• Able to work without sitting for extended periods of time, including standing and walking.
• Able to reach, bend, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Able to use the phone for extended periods of time.
• Working Conditions.
• Noise Level: Normal to loud while in the office.
• Maybe need to be at outdoor events.

Other Requirements:

• Business level English required – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Business level Chinese highly preferred.
• Has and maintains a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Maintains a positive attitude.
• Able to work independently and as a team.
• Able to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• Sake sommelier certificate or equivalent preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree and above preferred.
• 4+ years of Japanese liquor including wine, sake, shochu, and spirits sales experience and sake advisor license are preferred; however extensive experience in Japanese food sales or restaurant business will be considered.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrates basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses basic mathematical knowledge such as markups, discounts, counting inventory, weight and measurement conversions, combining, etc.
• Has strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Has strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Certification from a sake institute preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, especially AS400 or Microsoft Dynamics 365 highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Japanese liquor including wine, sake, shochu, and spirits preferred.

Disclaimers:

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.